Madlanga Commission findings not legally binding, but will carry significant weight - Jeremy Michaels, spokesperson

702's Clement Manyathela chats to Madlanga Commission of Inquiry spokesperson Jeremy Michaels.

Listen to their conversation in the audio clip below:

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has clarified that its findings will not be legally binding but will carry significant weight given the seriousness of the allegations under investigation. 

Michaels says that, while the final report will include recommendations to President Cyril Ramaphosa, it remains his decision whether or not to act on them.

"It is the President's prerogative, but needless to say, a lot of work would have gone into the report that the Commission produces."

- Jeremy Michaels, spokesperson - Madlanga Commission of Inquiry 

This clarification follows public confusion and disappointment after it emerged that the Commission’s outcomes would not have the force of law. 

Michaels emphasises that the Commission was appointed by Ramaphosa with a clear mandate to investigate potential infiltration of state institutions, including the South African Police Service, National Prosecuting Authority, and others, by criminal syndicates. 

He notes that, as seen with the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, such reports can still shape public policy and institutional reform.

Despite the lack of binding power, Michaels stresses the importance of public trust in the process. 

"The work that the Commission produces will be subjected to quite a bit of public scrutiny, given what we're dealing with. At the heart of it is whether South Africans... can trust our law enforcement agencies... The country has very high expectations... in terms of what the Commission produces."

- Jeremy Michaels, spokesperson - Madlanga Commission of Inquiry 

The Commission is set to commence with public hearings in Pretoria next Wednesday, with KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi set to be the first witness.

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